Category: NSW News

Terraces and 1 to 2 storey unit blocks are permitted in low density residential (R2) zoning in only 2 of 32 Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) – that’s just 6% of the LEPs across Sydney. This is despite 77% of land being zoned for low density residential (R2).

This has meant that over the last 12 years, low rise density has been ignored in the face of a growing housing crisis.

Suburbs like Glebe, Surry Hills, Redfern, Waverton and many more were built using this type of density, they are still standing more than 100 years later, supporting vibrant communities.

Greater density is better for the environment and ultimately cost the taxpayer less.

Terraces, townhouses and low-rise apartments have a significant role to play in creating diverse housing options as we confront the housing crisis.

If we were able to put a terrace on 5% of lots of land zoned low density, we would get 67,500 new homes, which is more than 20% of what we need to deliver by 2029.

The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, will be writing to councils to encourage them to permit this type of housing within their local government areas.

We are not using our land well and it is costing us.

The NSW Productivity Commission released a report this year that found a double to quadruple cost to keep going out compared to infill development.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“It’s surprising and disappointing that housing types synonymous with Sydney’s housing past are not permitted to be part of Sydney’s housing future, because of local planning rules.

“I will be writing to councils whose LEPs presently do not permit terraces and small apartment blocks in these residential zones, to make it clear that these types of houses are critical to address the housing crisis.

“We want to make infill housing a priority. It’s cheaper to deliver and better for the environment.

“More housing in existing suburbs gives young people, especially, a choice to live near their parents – not be forced to live with their parents.

“It also saves essential workers from having to travel long distances to get to centrally locates places of work, like hospitals and schools.

The Minns Labor Government is exceeding its commitment to convert more than 16,000 temporary teachers and support staff to permanent positions, delivering on one of its signature election promises.

The commitment aims to turn around the workforce crisis in NSW public schools, which last year saw a record 1,854 teachers resign.

Some teachers who were considering leaving the profession are now staying thanks to the initiative, according to feedback given to the NSW Department of Education.

In just six months, more than 16,700 temporary teachers and support staff accepted a permanent position at their current school, exceeding the Government’s expectations and moving ahead with the goal of improving education outcomes for students in the state’s public schools.

Under the first tranche of offers, some 10,000 teachers were offered permanent roles, with almost 9,000 accepting a permanent position so far.

Some 7,700 temporary school support staff have also accepted a permanent role, which goes above the Minns Labor Government’s election commitment to deliver 6,000 of these roles.

Work is now underway on preparing for the next tranche of offers.

This work reverses the decade of systemic casualisation of the teaching workforce by the former Government, where the number of temporary teachers exploded from 11,700 in 2011 to more than 24,000 in 2023.

When the Minns Labor Government came to office, only about 60 per cent of the teaching workforce had permanent and stable employment.

The OECD recently released a damning report into the former Government’s record in education, stating that “the high proportion of temporary contracts” caused “adverse effects for schools, teachers and students”.

In its report, the OECD also found casualisation was “a barrier to retaining graduate teachers”, negatively affecting their motivation, and was one of the reasons behind the “growing number of newly qualified teachers leaving the profession”.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“After just over six months in office not only are we delivering on our commitment to make thousands of temporary teachers and support staff permanent – we are going even further.

“We have exceeded our expectations on where we thought we would be in our efforts to provide job security to temporary teachers and staff.

“I am so pleased that an overwhelming majority of 10,000 offers we have made to teachers so far have been accepted.

“Bringing job security back to teaching is just one way we are restoring pride in the profession and keeping our best teachers in front of classrooms.

“As we continue to provide more permanent roles in schools, I look forward to providing more teachers and support staff the certainty they need to make teaching their life’s work and make long-term plans like applying for a mortgage or putting down roots”.

The NSW Government is acting to take pressure off of some of the state’s busy emergency departments by diverting drug and alcohol presentations to specialised units.

Safe assessment units are designed to better support people presenting to emergency departments with behavioural disturbances associated with alcohol and drugs.

Two of these units will be rolled out at the Prince of Wales and Nepean hospitals.

People presenting with behavioural disturbances are often vulnerable and become overwhelmed by the environment in the ED.

These units will provide a safe, low stimulus environment in which patients can be admitted, assessed, and treated.

They will allow patients to be treated by a multidisciplinary team of clinicans working across mental health, clinical pharmacology and alcohol and drug teams.

Similar models of care have resulted in improved patient outcomes, reduced need for sedation and restraint, as well as a reduction in the length of stay and time to be seen in EDs.

Both Units are expected to be ready to start seeing patients early next year, and will complement the existing Psychiatry and Non-Prescription Drug and Alcohol (PANDA) Unit within St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney.

The PANDA Unit, established in 2020, is co-located with the St Vincent’s ED and was the first service of this kind in Australia.

To ensure patients receive ongoing support after discharge, care will be provided through collaboration with the community alcohol and other drug sector, the community mental health sector and other health and community services.

The units will be co-located within each ED.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“We are acting to reduce pressure on our busy emergency departments by providing more appropriate care and treatment to drug and alcohol presentations.

“These units create a safe environment, not only for patients presenting with disturbances associated with alcohol and drugs, but also our frontline health workers and other patients presenting to our emergency departments.

“As Health Minister, I am embracing new and innovative initiatives to relieve pressure on our emergency departments by ensuring people receive the appropriate care when and where they need it.”

With heart disease being the leading cause of death in Australia, NSW residents aged 45 and over, or 30 and over for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, are reminded to book in for their regular heart health check.

Health Minister Ryan Park joined fellow Members of Parliament at an event hosted by the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute in NSW Parliament to promote 10-minute Heart Health Checks.

“Heart disease, as we well know, is the leading cause of death in Australia. Simple initiatives like this one by the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute are an ideal opportunity for early intervention – and they are literally saving lives,” Mr Park said.

“The Heart Health Check is really easy and it takes just 10 minutes and included tests for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

“Picking up on problems early means you and your doctor can better manage and prevent other health issues from occurring further down the line.

“Nearly 40 per cent of the disease burden in Australia is due to risk factors such as the ones being measured in Heart Health Checks.”

“Anyone looking for check-up on their heart health can book in with their GP for a Heart Health Check, who will help you better understand your risk of a heart attack or stroke and support you to lower this risk.”  

CEO and Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Professor Jason Kovacic, said the good news is that all three of these early indicators of possible heart disease can be changed by making improvements to your lifestyle.

“Making even small positive changes to your lifestyle, including your diet and activity levels can make a big difference to these risk factors and a person’s overall heart health,” Professor Kovacic said.

“The results of the test are presented to the person and if any measure is outside the normal range, they are recommended to make an appointment to see their GP.”

Along with keeping physically active, the World Health Organisation recommends:

• Quitting smoking or not smoking at all
• Eating a healthy diet
• Drinking alcohol in moderation
• Looking after your weight

The NSW Healthy Eating and Active Living Strategy 2022-2032launch outlines steps for achieving better health outcomes for all. The Strategy sets the foundation for collaboration between NSW Health, partner organisations and agencies to support keeping people healthy and well over the next decade.

The strategy includes a range of initiatives that support healthy living, including the Get Healthy Service, a free phone and online health coaching service, staffed by qualified health coaches.

It provides personalised support to anyone 16 years and over to maintain healthy eating habits, get active, reduce alcohol, and reach a healthy weight.

The Albanese and Minns governments have signed a landmark agreement that will deliver billions of dollars to build the skills and prosperity of NSW.

The landmark 5-year National Skills Agreement (NSA) – which will take effect from January next year – was developed under principles agreed by National Cabinet and will embed national cooperation and strategic investment in the NSW vocational education and training sector.

NSW is set to benefit from over $3.81 billion of investment from the Albanese Government, supporting investment by the Minns Government to expand and transform access to the VET sector.

The 5-year agreement places TAFE at the heart of the VET sector, providing the funding certainty required to support quality training and implement reforms to address critical skills needs. 

The NSA will provide for $1.055 billion of additional funding to NSW, enabling NSW to complete significant reform to the skills and training sector. This will support the Minns Government’s commitments to investing and rebuilding TAFE NSW and the broader skills sector. 

This includes investing in TAFE Centres of Excellence, boosting foundation skills in language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy and Closing the Gap in educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

In an historic first, a new national stewardship model will coordinate strategic investment in skills across the economy and support delivery of skills needed in national priority areas, as well as providing states and territories with flexibility to meet local industry skills needs.

Nationally, the $12.6 billion investment by the Commonwealth includes an extra $2.4 billion in flexible funding to support state and territory skills sectors with capacity to deliver skills for critical and emerging industries. Priorities include:

• clean energy and Net Zero transformation of the economy.
• Australia’s sovereign capability, including advanced manufacturing skills, national security, food security and construction.
• care and support services.
• ensuring Australia’s digital and technology capability

This new investment is on top of $414 million already committed nationally for the delivery of 300,000 fee-free TAFE places from 2024.

Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor said:

“This landmark agreement will kickstart real change”

“I’d like to thank my counterpart Skills Ministers for their genuine cooperation in looking to rebuild national vocational education and training, with TAFE at its heart.”

“The TAFE sector has endured periods of underfunding, impacts of deregulation, loose rules of VET market entry, a lack of national cohesion and an obsession for competition at the expense of collaboration.”

“By providing genuine national leadership in partnership with states and territories, we are building a system that is greater than the sum of its parts.”

“A high performing and world class VET sector is crucial for achieving a fairer society and a stronger economy.” 

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan MP said:

“The National Skills Agreement marks a united commitment from the Commonwealth and NSW Government to train key workers in priority industries and build a robust and scalable skills-force.”

“Over the next 5 years, we will have the tools to rebuild TAFE, proactively manage skills shortages and support some of our state’s most disadvantaged students.”

“TAFE has experienced years of uncertainty. This agreement will ensure its long-term stability. Through TAFE, we will be able to upskill in-demand workers and maximise opportunities in the skills system.”

“It is particularly pleasing to see the close alignment in priorities between the NSW and Federal governments, with support provided for Minns Government commitments such as TAFE Centres of Excellence, Closing the Gap initiatives, ensuring access to literacy and numeracy training, and improving course completions.” 

Addressing the teacher shortage crisis and easing workload will be a priority for the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) as the Minns Labor Government issues its first Statement of Expectations.

For the first time, the NSW Government’s expectations for NESA will explicitly ask the regulatory body to reduce unnecessary workload and ensure the accreditation process for teachers is not overly burdensome.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to improving educational outcomes for students, and ensuring every child in NSW receives a high-quality education.

Having an education system that values and supports teachers is key to delivering this promise.

The Statement of Expectations will also require NESA to focus on clear and concise language and ensure its requirements of teachers are explicit.

Taking these steps will help avoid duplication and the creation of unnecessary work, as well as any misunderstanding about what is required of educators in NSW.

Other points include working with higher education providers to ensure high-quality programs are being delivered that properly prepare graduate teachers for the classroom.

NESA will also be asked to work on streamlining processes and removing unnecessary barriers for teachers in the areas of greatest need while maintaining NSW’s high standards for the profession.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“We know NESA shares the NSW Government’s commitment to improving student educational outcomes, but that won’t happen while we have overworked and burnt-out teachers.

“Addressing the teacher shortage crisis requires all parts of our system to be working together to relieve the burden on our teaching workforce.

“NESA is already doing great things to support our teachers, and we look forward to working with the authority to do more to ease teachers’ workload, providing a benefit to all the state’s students.”

Young people in custody are being given the opportunity to learn new skills to help them transition back into the community thanks to the Try a Trade program, jointly run by Youth Justice NSW and Training Services NSW.

The young people at Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre in Kariong can try a range of trades including bricklaying, plastering, barbering, mechanics, carpentry, warehousing and plumbing.

Local businesses such as Colonial Painting and Decorating Service at Gosford have volunteered to teach participants plastering and painting to build connections with a potential new workforce.

The first Try a Trade day was held at Cobham Youth Justice Centre with 10 workshops held across a range of trades including carpentry, painting, and landscaping.

A second session ran at the Riverina Youth Justice Centre, where 5 businesses across different trades visited the centre to teach a range of skills including plumbing, carpentry, painting, traffic control and mechanics. 

As a result of the previous Try a Trade days at Cobham and Riverina Youth Justice Centres, 10 young people have gained employment in their chosen pathway, 2 young people have commenced apprenticeships, and over 30 have identified a set trade as a career option when they hadn’t previously done so.

Try a Trade days will be run across all 6 youth justice centres around the state throughout the remainder of 2023. These are in addition to the skills and trades programs already running in youth justice centres.

Minister for Youth Justice Jihad Dib said:

“A key focus for Youth Justice is supporting young people to transition from custody back into the community.

“The Try a Trade days not only allow young people to sample a few trade options and learn some new skills, but they also help them build community connections and links that will still be there when they leave custody.

“This is a great initiative because it finds a way to upskill young people for their reintegration into community, and the success stories we have heard so far show it is working.”

Minister for Skills Steve Whan said:

“Providing people training and a career is a critical part of setting people onto a more positive path in their lives.

“Initiatives like Try a Trade provide a real opportunity to engage in life changing educational opportunities.”

Police have released CCTV images as they investigate an alleged assault in the CBD last week.

About 7.30pm on Monday 9 October 2023, a 45-year-old man allegedly became involved in an argument with a group of men near the Sydney Opera House.

An argument ensued during which the man was allegedly assaulted and spat on.

Police intervened and the group, including the alleged victim, dispersed and left the area.

The man later reported the assault to Maroubra Police.

Strike Force Mealing has since been established to investigate offences committed during protest activity.

As those inquiries continue, police have released CCTV images of five people they believe may be able to assist with their investigation into the assault.

The first man is described as being of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, aged in his 20s, of solid build, and has tattoos on both legs. He was wearing black sunglasses, a white and blue keffiyeh (head-covering garment), a white shirt, black shorts, long black socks and black shoes.

The second man is described as Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, aged in his 20s, of a medium build, has a moustache, and was wearing a white and blue keffiyeh, a white shirt with both Aboriginal and Palestinian flags print, black pants, and black and white Vans.

The third man is described as being of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, aged in his early 20s, of a tall build, with medium-length curly black hair, and a stubbly goatee, and was wearing a white and blue keffiyeh, and a white shirt.

The fourth man is described as being of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, aged in his 20s, of a medium build, with short black hair, and a black beard, and was wearing a white and blue keffiyeh, a black tracksuit and white shoes.

The woman is described as Caucasian appearance with long blonde hair, and was wearing a black hoodie featuring a red and yellow print, black leggings, long white socks, and pink shoes.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

A man has been charged over alleged offensive comments made during protest activity at the weekend.

Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command commenced an investigation, following reports of offensive comments made by an attendee at a pro-Palestine rally in Sydney’s CBD on Sunday (15 October 2023).

Following extensive inquiries, investigators arrested a 63-year-old man at a home in Mt Druitt about 8pm yesterday (Monday 16 October 2023).

He was taken to Mt Druitt Police Station, where he was charged with use offensive language in/near public place/school.

The man was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday 15 November 2023.

Inquiries continue.

The first GambleAware Week under the Minns Labor government will focus on the true cost of gambling on the community and the record $100 million investment in harm minimisation to combat it.

The theme for this year’s GambleAware Week, which starts today, is ‘What’s gambling costing you?’ to encourage people to think beyond the monetary costs of gambling.

Gambling costs aren’t just measured in dollars, there are also family impacts including time away from loved ones, impacts on physical and mental health and community impacts.

The first Minns Labor government budget delivered a $100 million funding injection to reduce gambling harm across NSW. 

Funding for gambling harm minimisation is the next important step in the government’s long-term commitment to tackling money laundering, implement gaming reform and reduce the harmful impacts of gambling across communities.

The NSW Government will redirect the $100 million fine imposed on Star Casino by the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) over 5 years to fund harm minimisation initiatives.

This huge funding injection will allow for the enhancement of services and initiatives to reduce harm in the community from gambling including:

• $6.4 million to enhance self-exclusion and introduce third-party exclusions in pubs and clubs
• $3.4 million for the independent panel, established in July this year, to run and evaluate a cashless gaming trial in pubs and clubs, with expressions of interest recently called for venues to take part.
• $21.7 million each year, for 3 years, from 2024–2025 to fund other gambling harm minimisation initiatives and reforms, including those recommended by the independent panel.
• $10 million additional investment in 2023 for the Responsible Gambling Fund, through the Office of Responsible Gambling, for the provision of GambleAware counselling and support services.
• As more and more people are exposed to gambling, through sports betting, gambling advertising, or even gambling through kids’ games, GambleAware Week aims to increase awareness of the risks of gambling and ensure people know where to find help and support services in NSW communities.
• GambleAware local service providers are located in every health district across the state, and are there to help anyone who thinks themselves, their friends or family members might be participating in risky gambling behaviours.

The GambleAware phone line 1800 858 858launch is open 24 hours a day for anyone needing support. It is free and confidential.

Forty-five events are being held right across the state over the 5 days to educate parents and the wider community about the risks of gambling harm and the wide range of information and support available.

Event highlights include GambleAware Week showcases in Goulburn, Shellharbour and Unanderra; and roundtables in Bankstown, Liverpool and Campbelltown. Information sessions, workshops and community drop in events are being held in Wallsend, Albury, Bathurst, Wyong, Manly, Mayfield, Belmont and Hornsby. Information stalls will be located at key shopping centres including Freedom Plaza Cabramatta, Miranda Westfield and Westfield Bondi Junction.

Local councils are getting on board too with free events at Manly, Mona Vale and Hornsby libraries. Major clubs are doing their part too hosting events including at Tradies Gymea, Panthers Bathurst, St George Leagues Club and Souths Juniors. 

For those directly impacted by gambling harm there will be access to essential items and support at key times from Prosper at the Rotary Community Centre Campsie and through the Newtown Mission at the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre.

The community is encouraged to take advantage of these special eventslaunch to get the support they need with a number of online options available as well. 

GambleAware Weeklaunch runs from Monday 16 October to Sunday 22 October.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“We know there are people out there experiencing gambling harm in our community, and we are concerned the impact this has on individuals, their families and the broader community.

“We are committed to increasing awareness of the risks of gambling, in all forms, and I can assure people there is a lot of help and support out there in NSW communities, that is freely available and accessible.

“This GambleAware Week we encourage everyone to talk with friends, family or colleagues if you are worried about what gambling could be costing them.

“Our first budget delivers $100 million in harm minimisation initiatives, including funding for the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling to provide support to people affected by gambling harm through these GambleAware services as well as working to prevent harm before it occurs by investing in education and awareness raising.

“Everyone has a role to play in keeping our community safe. We encourage everyone to take part in GambleAware Week and show our combined commitment to preventing gambling harm.

“One of our key election commitments was to ban external gambling signage from venues, as we know that can be triggering for gamblers, and that ban is in place as of 1 September this year, with 99% of venues compliant. It shows that when government, industry and community work together we can get positive results.” 

Removal of all external signage is just one part of the NSW Government’s broader gaming reform to reduce harm including:

• reducing the cash input limit from $5000 to $500 for all new electronic gaming machines from 1 July 2023
• capping the number of gaming machine entitlements in circulation
• banning political donations from clubs involved in gaming
• introducing Responsible Gaming Officers at venues with more than 20 machines
• expanding a third-party exclusion register to the whole state
• establishing an independent panel of expert stakeholders including industry, harm minimisation organisations, academics, law enforcement, cyber security and the union movement to oversee the cashless gaming trial and recommend an implementation roadmap for gaming reforms.

Related information

• GambleAwarelauncheast
• GambleAware Week 2023 eventslauncheast